Cooperative Associations

In B.C., a cooperative association (co-op) is an organization that is owned and operated by the people who use and benefit from its services. Co-ops help develop communities and create jobs by offering a range of supports such as housing, food, health care, and many other essential products and services.

Legislation

Specific legislation and regulation govern how cooperative associations operate in B.C. Before you can operate a co-op, you must incorporate the association under the Cooperative Association Act.

Incorporation provides a co-op with an independent legal status separate from its members. As a legal entity, a co-op can enter into contracts or incur debt in its own name with the same legal rights and obligations of an individual.

Incorporating a B.C. Co-op

An incorporation process provides a co-op with an independent legal status separate from its members. As a legal entity, a co-op can enter into contracts, or incur debt in its own name, with the same legal rights and obligations of an individual.

Incorporating a co-op can be more complex than incorporating a traditional company. Retaining a lawyer, accountant, or consultant may save time and effort. Registry staff can help you, but cannot offer legal advice. Approval takes between 15 to 30 working days once all documents are received.

Find out more

Related Links

Need Advice?

BC Registries and Online Services staff are available to advise you on how to complete filings that satisfy the requirements specified in legislation. Registry staff do not provide business or legal advice. If you require professional advice, please contact a lawyer or an accountant.

For assistance filing documents, you may also contact BC Registries and Online Services' preferred legal service provider Dye & Durham.

Corporate Registry Email:

Permanent link to page:

Help us improve gov.bc.ca

*Don't provide personal information . Comments will be sent to 'servicebc@gov.bc.ca'

Enter your email address if you would like a reply:

The information on this form is collected under the authority of Sections 26(c) and 27(1)(c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act to help us assess and respond to your enquiry. Questions about the collection of information can be directed to the Manager of Corporate Web, Government Digital Experience Division.